for sale at Home Ec

I dropped off a baby blanket and a few tag blankets at Home Ec Workshop earlier this week, so go check them out if you're still in the market for a baby gift! There are many other lovely gifts in the shop, not to mention that a Home Ec gift certificate is a great gift for any local sewer/crafter!

December Daily

I spent some time working on my December Daily album over the weekend. It works best for me to work on about a week at a time. I can't manage to work on it everyday, but if I wait too long, it feels overwhelming, and I forget the little details of our days.
I'm trying to keep it simple and repeat a few design elements (like the tags with stamped titles) to make the album more cohesive. I'm using a 4x6" mixed paper book by Elise Blaha, along with some ephemera - such as calendar pages, our Christmas card, etc. I'm also adding in 3x5" photos cropped to approx. 3 1/4" x 6" and taped back to back. I'm loving that mini alphabet stamp set (from the Michael's $1 section) and mini alphabet letters from my stash (mostly Making Memories) and the number circles I bought last year (from Living Room Floor). I'm printing 2.5" square Instagram photos at home, taking a few photos with my Instax mini, and adding in prints from my SLR as I mentioned above.
It seems like this project would feel like "one more thing" to do in a busy December, but actually I find that it keeps me focused on the festive activities and traditions that I want to focus on during the holidays. Also, I love looking back to the albums I made in 2008 and 2010 (wish I had made one in '09! darn!)
I'm finding lots of inspiration in these talented scrappers participating in December Daily -
Ali Edwards
Elise Blaha
Robyn Meierotto
Molly Irwin

You can see the rest of my pages so far in my December Daily set on Flickr.

Hope you're all having a great December so far!

Craft and Fancy 4

I've been busy this week, recovering from our Thanksgiving trip to Disneyworld, taking care of sick kiddos, and getting ready for Craft and Fancy 4 at Home Ec tomorrow! It is my first time to have a table at this local mini craft fair. I'm thrilled to be included with the other talented local artists and crafters.
I'll be bringing along special handmade gifts for babies and little ones, including tag blankets, patchwork baby quilts and Tooth Fairy pillows. Check out the event's page to see some of the other treats to be had. I'm looking forward to picking up a few unique handmade gifts for my friends and family!
I hope you will stop by and say hello if you are in the Iowa City Area!
Craft and Fancy 4 at Home Ec Workshop
Saturday, December 4th, 10 am - 5 pm

Mmm, donuts

We visited my family in Des Moines this weekend, and had a fun couple days! Lachlan's highlight was going with papa to pick out donuts this morning. He chose frosted with sprinkles, and claimed the 2 sprinkled donuts in the box for himself.
I put Kenley in the high chair and offered her a plain donut. Well, I didn't get a photo of her tantrum, but let's just say that she had other plans. She was not happy until she was sitting in a big chair with a sprinkled donut of her own.
Luckily, Lachlan was in a sharing mood and settled for a chocolate frosted donut as number 2.
Yep, she's already pretty good at getting her way.

Pomegranate Love

Pomegranates. It seems like a fruit for a special occasion, because of the effort it takes to get the arils out. Slicing one open is like finding a treasure, and I love the vibrant red color. I remember when Mrs. Ellerhoff, my English teacher in high school, brought pomegranates in to class one day so that those of us who had never tasted one could try them.
The easiest way I have found to separate the seeds from the rest of the flesh is to work in a bowl of water, then strain off the pith. It keeps things from getting so messy, and keeps my fingers from getting dyed red.
I picked up a couple pomegranates last week because I wanted to try this recipe I saw on Made. Although my Hipstamatic photo of the cookies doesn't make them look very appetizing, I assure you that they were a success! The baked cookies were very good, but I agree with Dana that the cold cookie dough was especially delicious! Yum!

Kenley's new skills

walking a video by Kirsten W on Flickr.

and just like that, we have a toddler. K @ 16 1/2 months.

Halloween 2011: Trick or Treat

Our trick-or-treaters, ready for action!

my trick or treat banner via Martha Stewart at JoAnn's

We went trick or treating with our favorite neighbors - Peter & Tinkerbelle, the Tin Man & the Lion.
The big boys were SO excited and ran from house to house. It took about half as much time for us to make it through the neighborhood as it did last year!
Kenley spent the trip in the stroller, saying "hiiii" to passersby and giggling at the boys running.
Spooky alien!
We had such a fun evening and collected enough candy to last us a loooong time!